LEGAL ENGLISH

Gandhijij passed his matriculation exam in 1887 at Ahmedabad. His elders wanted him to pursue his studies at college after matriculation so he decided to join the Samaldas College at Bhavnagar. During vacation he learnt from Mavji Dave, an old friend and adviser of his family about the new avenues.It was Mavji Dave’s opinion to send Gandhi to England for higher studies that would qualify him for the post of a Diwan.Joshiji as Mavji Dave was fondly called gave complete assurance to Gandhi and encouraged him to go to England to become a barrister as his son Kevalram also stays in England. Gandhi approached and consulted his uncle Tulsidas Gandhi on the matter but the latter did not reciprocate. But nothing could stop Gandhi from going to England as he had made up his mind. His mother Putlibai was also hesitant thinking that the western education might influence Gandhi and he would forget his rituals and customs. Mohandas pleaded with her to allow him to go and he took a solemn vow not to eat meat, not to drink and not to touch a woman. his mother at last gave in and allowed him to go to England. On September 4th, 1888 Mohandas left Bombay for England. Dressed in western style he stood on the deck as the ship slowly steamed out of the harbour. He was sad but was also excited.